Subject details

At the completion of this subject students will be able to:

  1. Describe the theories related to the development of Earth
  2. Explain the evidence used to support the theories
  3. Explain the behaviour of a range of geological occurrences such as volcanic eruptions and earthquakes
  4. Describe the development of the atmosphere
  5. Explain the function of different parts of the atmosphere.

  • Topics

    • Introduction and Earth's beginnings
    • A cook's tour of the universe
    • Plate Tectonics
    • Earthquakes and the Earth's structure
    • Volcanism and plutons
    • Mountains
    • How old are we?
    • Development of the atmosphere
    • Weathering and soils
    • Past climates

No eligibility requirements

Special requirements

No special requirements

This subject introduces students to basic concepts in Environmental Science and provides them with a specific background on the composition and structure of the Earth. Students will study the development of the Earth from its cosmic beginnings to the current structure of the atmosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere. The interaction between these components will be investigated and the environment of the Melbourne area will be used extensively to illustrate the topics studied. This subject contains independent fieldwork.

  • Journal (8%)
  • Journal Review (10%)
  • Field Reports (30%)
  • Book Review & Peer Assessment (12%)
  • Online (40%)

Textbooks are subject to change within the academic year. Students are advised to purchase their books no earlier than one to two months before the start of a subject.

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Related Degrees

undergraduate RMI-SCI-DEG-2018

Bachelor of Science (Applied Sciences)